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SECTION: 701 INVESTIGATION AND PROSECUTION

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SECTION: 701

TITLE:     INVESTIGATION AND PROSECUTION

EFFECTIVE DATE:  February 15, 2017

 

 

Investigation and Prosecution

 

PURPOSE AND SCOPE

 

The purpose of this policy is to set guidelines and requirements pertaining to the handling and disposition of criminal investigations.

 

 

POLICY

 

It is the policy of the Evangeline Parish Sheriff's Office  to investigate crimes thoroughly and with due diligence, and to evaluate and prepare criminal cases for appropriate clearance or submission to a prosecutor.

 

 

 INITIAL INVESTIGATION

 

1 DEPUTY RESPONSIBILITIES

 

A deputy responsible for an initial investigation shall complete no less than the following:

 

Make a preliminary determination of whether a crime has been committed by completing, at a minimum:

 

An initial statement from any witnesses or complainants.

 

 A cursory examination for evidence

 

If information indicates a crime has occurred, the deputy shall:

 

  1. Preserve the scene and any evidence as required to complete the initial and follow up investigation.

 

  1. Determine if additional investigative resources (e.g., investigators or scene processing) are necessary and request assistance as required.

 

  1. If assistance is warranted, or if the incident is not routine, notify a supervisor or Captain of Investigations.

 

  1. Make reasonable attempts to locate, identify and interview all available victims, complainants, witnesses and suspects.

 

  1. Collect any evidence.

 

  1. Take any appropriate law enforcement action.

 

  1. Complete and submit the appropriate reports and documentation.

 

 If the preliminary determination is that no crime occurred, determine what other action may be necessary, what other resources may be available, and advise the informant or complainant of this information.

 

 

CUSTODIAL INTERROGATION REQUIREMENTS

 

Suspects who are in custody and subjected to an interrogation shall be given the Miranda warning, unless an exception applies. Interview or interrogation of a juvenile shall be in the presence of one or both of the juvenile's parents.